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Purpose of the Dams Safety NSW Regulatory Policy
The Dams Safety Act 2015 and Dams Safety Act Regulation 2019 commenced on 1 November 2019, with some requirements commencing on 1 November 2021 after a two-year transition period.
The Act and Regulation contain provisions and powers that allow Dams Safety NSW to regulate how declared dam owners are managing dam safety risks.
This policy sets out how Dams Safety NSW will administer the legislation through:
- declaring dams that meet the criteria in the Regulation
- educating dam owners on how to manage dams safety risks and comply with the requirements
- monitoring dams safety risks and
- responding to non-compliance with the legislation.
The policy adopts an outcomes-focused and risk-based regulatory approach that aligns with the requirements of the NSW Quality Regulatory Services Initiative (QRSI).